Program Manager/Senior Program Manager Position

The Voter Empowerment Project (VEP) is seeking a Program Manager/Senior Program Manager to support operations as it transitions from an all-volunteer grassroots initiative to a 501(c)(3) non-profit project with full-time staff. With the support of the VEP Steering Committee, the Program Manager/Senior Program Manager will oversee key programmatic activities, including partnership development, volunteer recruitment, and management of VEP’s volunteer service model that supports front-line voter engagement efforts.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, a collaborative team member, an experienced project manager, able to work independently, has a strong belief in the right of all Americans to have equal access to voting, and has a deep commitment to the values of racial justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

POSITION: Program Manager/Senior Program Manager

REPORTS TO: Voter Empowerment Project Steering Committee

LOCATION: Remote

COMPENSATION: $60,000 - $90,000

Responsibilities

In collaboration with the VEP Steering Committee and staff, the VEP Program Manager/Senior Program Manager will:

Strategy

  • Establish criteria for the types of frontline voting rights organizations and communities to prioritize for any given year;

  • Develop and execute plans to build partnerships with eligible front-line voting rights organizations serving communities in high need (“VEP Partners”);

  • Cultivate relationships with relevant national, state, and local grassroots leaders and organizations that will aid in advancing VEP’s mission; and

  • Represent VEP in relevant coalitions and forums.

Management

  • Develop and execute plans to identify, recruit, and onboard volunteers with relevant skills and expertise (“VEP Volunteers”);

  • Structure volunteer opportunities that are attractive and accessible to potential volunteers and that promote professional and personal development;

  • Establish a process to assign and manage VEP Volunteers on projects based on the identified needs of VEP Partners, and ensure the timely and satisfactory completion of services;

  • Create an operating environment that is inclusive and empowering for volunteers of all backgrounds and identities;

  • Identify and implement a plan for internal management of VEP activities, including all technology, tools, hardware, and services needed for effective operations;

  • Support the management of VEP Social Media accounts; and

  • Work collaboratively with any external contractors that are hired, including ensuring the timely and satisfactory completion of services.

Finance and Compliance

  • Support the Steering Committee’s multi-year fundraising strategy to secure adequate resources from individuals, foundations, corporations, the public sector, and other philanthropic sources;

  • Support the Steering Committee in developing proposals and reports for foundations and other grant-making institutions;

  • Coordinate as needed with the Fiscal Sponsor on all services it provides VEP, including HR, financial, legal, and other back office administrative functions; and

  • Ensure compliance with all requirements set by the Fiscal Sponsor and applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Skills and Qualifications

The ideal candidate will demonstrate an effective combination of some or all of the following skills and qualifications:

  • Demonstrated commitment to progressive values, racial and gender equity and all forms of diversity, equity, and inclusion for historically marginalized communities;

  • Experience working with and in support of historically disenfranchised or oppressed communities;

  • An understanding of the progressive landscape and relationships with grassroots organizations;

  • Experience in issue advocacy campaigns, non-profit organizations, government, and/or legislative offices;

  • The ability to develop deep, collaborative, and respectful partnerships with national and local organizations, volunteers, donors, foundations and other relevant stakeholders;

  • Strong people management skills to oversee volunteers;

  • Accomplished experience in project management;

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills;

  • Proficiency in relevant computer and technological skills needed for effectively creating written content, electronic communication, organizing data, and creating presentation materials (e.g. Microsoft Word/Excel/Powerpoint, Google Suite);

  • Self directed, organized, and detail oriented with the ability to work effectively both independently as well as collaboratively in teams; and

  • Creative and strategic approach to planning—with a deep belief in the power of organizing to create change.

Additional Preferred Skills

A priority candidate will also possess a some or all of the following:

  • Experience with voter mobilization, civic engagement, or other voting rights related activities;

  • Experience in state or local advocacy or community engagement;

  • Experience with providing training and technical assistance for non-profit organizations:

  • Experience in volunteer recruitment and management;

  • Experience in fundraising through grant writing and/or major and small dollar donors;

  • Experience with social media or digital strategy, CRM, data analysis, graphic design, and/or website development; and

  • Proficiency in one or more non-English languages, preferably Spanish.

Compensation and Benefits

VEP offers a competitive salary in the range of $60,000 - $90,000 (commensurate with the applicant’s qualifications and experience), and is committed to ensuring pay equity for applicants from communities that have faced historical discrimination in pay. VEP also offers a generous benefits package provided through it’s Fiscal Sponsor (Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs) including, but not limited to:

  • Health insurance (employee premiums are fully subsidized by VEP);

  • Dental and vision benefits;

  • Life insurance;

  • Retirement;

  • Flexible Spending Account; and

  • Employee Assistance Program.

VEP also offers financial support for certain professional development activities. VEP operates as a fully remote organization.

Commitment To Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race and ethnicity, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, nation of origin, criminal record history, veteran status, disability status, or other underrepresented backgrounds and identities. Given VEP’s mission to serve historically disenfranchised and oppressed communities, the organization prioritizes creating opportunities for candidates that are representative of these communities as part of our commitment to address long-standing and persistent racial and gender disparities in leadership positions.

Application Process and Timeline

Interested candidates should submit the following materials to empowervoters@gmail.com with the subject line “VEP Program Manager Application - [YOUR NAME].”

  • Resume;

  • Statement of interest (1 - 2 pages), that describes why you 1) are passionate about social/racial justice and voting rights, 2) are interested in VEP, and 3) would be a good candidate for this position;

  • Three references; and

  • A short (1-2 minute) selfie video commenting on the importance of volunteerism and its benefits to both the volunteer and the community.